Retractable Key-Holder

ABSTRACT

Concealable key ring that consists of a carrying plate ( 1 ) that defines the size of at least two side walls ( 12 ) in which at least one key ring axle ( 2 ) is mounted, in which the keys ( 4 ) are arranged so that they can rotate, with at least one positioning pin ( 3 ) to place these keys ( 4 ) at one intermediate angle at least, by acting in combination with at least one corresponding groove ( 41 ) made in the head of each key ( 4 ) for using as a normal key ring.

The object forming the subject of the present invention consists of a key ring in particular, and an object-holder, in more general terms, in which keys or objects of whatever kind (for example, nail-cutters, knife blades, nail files or similar objects) are arranged so that they can be opened out for use and stowed away when not being used.

One problem common to all key rings is their inconvenience due to the considerable volume occupied by the keys. Such problems are even more pronounced when they hold a considerable number of keys (for example, in caretaker's offices for large blocks of apartments, in schools and other public institutions or similar places).

Further, secondary problems include both wear and tear on doors and frames caused by keys (other than the one that is being used) carried on the same key ring, and also excessive weight and/or volume of the set, which makes a noise and bothers the user (as well as damaging their pockets).

The object forming the subject of this invention avoids these problems.

It is a concealable key ring that can hold a large number of keys occupying a minimum amount of space, arranged in such a way that the only one opened out is the one in use, with the remainder of the keys being completely stowed inside the carrying plate, so that they do not protrude in any way.

The aforementioned opening of the single key in use forms an angle (α) with respect to the rest of the set and is always firm and tight; thus, while one key is being used, the key ring and the other keys are kept away from the door so as to avoid scratching either the door itself or the frame around it.

Furthermore, the maximum size of each key is the same or less than the height of the side walls of the carrying plate and the maximum size of the head of each key is similar to the width of the bit. Compliance with this dual condition means that the size of the key ring is considerably reduced.

The concealable key ring, according to the invention, is characterised by the fact that it consists of a carrying plate that defines the size of each lateral wall, between which there is at least one axle to hold the keys, arranged in such a way that they can be rotated, and at least one positioning pin for these keys, which can be set at one intermediate angle at least, by acting in combination with at least one corresponding groove made in the head of each key.

The maximum size of the head of each key is the same or less than the height of the side walls of the carrying plate and very similar in width to the bit.

The aforementioned pin is made of material that is elastically deformable so as to facilitate its housing in or extraction from the corresponding grooves in the keys.

Incorporated in the object of the invention are specific and/or alternative arrangements that do not alter, change or modify the essential nature of the object proposed, and in particular:

the fact that there can be either only one axle holding the keys or more than one

that the keys can either be arranged one against another or else all facing the same way

that, in each key, there can be one or several grooves, so that the keys can be opened out in one or several positions, at just one angle (α) or at various different angles between the key opened out for use and the rest of the set.

that each carrying plate can include any additional items, whether magnetic or mechanical, for various plates to be attached between them, or else to keep the object in a fixed place (such as a key ring cabinet, for instance).

Also included in the object of the invention are any modifications concerning accessories, construction and/or design that do not alter the object of the invention, and in particular:

that the pin and areas where the grooves have been made—whether one, or the other, or both—should be made from material that is elastically deformable

that the side walls of the carrying plate may or may not be connected together by means of a base plate, and

that the slot housing the pin fits the axle or this base plate (thereby also fitting the grooves in the appropriate areas of the key).

So as to have a better understanding of the object forming the subject of this invention, the diagrams show the best way to go about its practical production, susceptible to changes due to the incorporation of accessories that do not alter its basic conception.

FIG. 1 shows a general elevation view of a concealable key ring according to the invention with one key (4) opened out and the rest in a stowed position.

FIG. 2 shows a plan view of the same object illustrated in the previous diagram.

FIG. 3 shows a section, as indicated by A:A, in FIG. 2.

In these diagrams, the pin (3) fits into a slot in the axle (2) and the keys (4) fit the grooves (41) made around the perimeter of their hole (40).

FIGS. 4, 5 and 6 show views that are equivalent to the previous FIGS. 1, 2 and 3 respectively for alternative arrangements, in which the side walls (12) of the carrying plate (1) are connected by means of a base plate (11) and the pin (3) fits inside a transverse slot made in this plate (11). The keys (4) fit the grooves (41) around the outer perimeter of their head.

FIG. 7 shows a similar view to FIG. 4, with all the keys (4) stowed inside and for an alternative arrangement complete with a cover (7) and means (5) of fixing it to the side of other carrying plates (1) or to a fixed surface.

There now follows a description of one practical arrangement, which is not intended to be limiting in any way, of the present invention.

The object forming the subject of the present invention is a concealable key ring, which basically consists of a carrying plate (1), keys (4) and the means both for arranging the keys (4) on the carrying plate (1) so that they can rotate—reaching a concealed position and other positions when opened out—and also for positioning/retaining such keys (4) in at least one of these positions.

Furthermore, the concealable key ring forming the subject of this invention may also have:

a cover (7) hiding the keys (4) from view when they are in their stowed position and/or

means (5) for being fixed to the side of another or other adjacent carrying plates (1) or else to hold such plates (1) alongside the main carrying plate; and/or

means (ring or hole) of fixing the carrying plate (1) to a snap ring, for example.

In line with the invention, and according to the arrangement shown—see FIGS. 1 and 2—the carrying plate (1) defines the minimum size of each of the side walls (12), on which at least one key ring axle is mounted (2) holding the keys (4), which can be rotated; for this purpose, the keys (4) have a hole (40) in their head so that the axle (2) can be housed in the hole.

There is also at least one positioning pin (3) mounted on the walls (12). There is a positioning pin (3) for each key ring axle (2).

For the arrangement illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 3, the pin (3) fits inside a generating slot made in the axle (2) and the grooves (41) are made around the perimeter of the hole (40) of the head of the keys (4).

For the arrangement illustrated in FIGS. 4 to 6, the carrying plate (1) also defines the size of a base plate (11), connecting the side walls to each other (12) along one of their edges, so that the keys (4) are limited to rotating 180°, with the space between the two outer positions being out of parallel.

In this arrangement, the pin (3) fits in a transverse slot made in this base plate (11) and the grooves (41) are made around the outer perimeter of the head of the key (4).

In either of the two arrangements, the pin (3) is made of material that is elastically deformable (rubber or similar material) and is over-designed with respect to the slot. This over-designed piece is the part that reaches a groove (41) in the key (4), and slots inside, retaining it at that specific angle.

As an alternative, without altering the essential nature of the model in any way, the pin (3) and the slot in which it is housed can be made of a stiff material, with the area around the key (4) being elastically deformable, in which the grooves (41) are made.

In any of the various arrangements, depending on the angle of this groove (41), angle (α), which is formed by the key (4) when it is opened out with respect to the carrying plate (1) and with respect to the remainder of the keys (4) in the stowed position, will be different.

Preferably, one of the grooves (41) is made in such a way that the key (4) that is opened out will form a right angle (i.e. α=90°), although grooves (41) can be made in any part of the perimeter around the head of the key (4) so that the key (4) that is opened out forms any type of angle (α) with respect to the carrying plate (1) and with respect to the remaining keys (4) that are in the stowed position. In FIGS. 3 and 6 three grooves (41) have been made at 90°, arranged out of parallel with one another.

Logically, the key ring axle (2)—or each existing key ring axle (2)—can be dismounted with respect to the carrying plate (1) so as to be able to put on or take off the keys (4) from the main key ring (1).

In the concealed key ring, according to the invention, the maximum dimension (D) of the head of each key (4) is the same or less than the height (h) of the side walls (11) of the carrying plate (1) and very similar to the width of the bit. With the keys (4) fulfilling this dual condition, it is possible to reduce the overall size of the key ring quite considerably.

The concealable key ring forming the subject of this invention has also been designed to take a cover (7), to hide the keys (4) from view when they are stowed inside the carrying plate (1).

This cover (7) can be mounted on a second axle (6) for instance, with the possibility of rotating between two opening/closing positions—see FIG. 7.

Furthermore, each carrying plate (1) incorporates the means (5) for being fixed to the side of one or more other adjacent carrying plates (1)—by having magnets, for example, mounted on the outside of at least one of the walls (12)—or for the sides of these carrying plates (1) to be fitted to a fixed surface (for example a flat metal plate)—with magnets, for example, being mounted on the outside of the base plate (11).

The concealable key ring forming the subject of this invention is also designed to include the possibility of incorporating other means such as holes or rings for fixing it to a snap ring, for instance, or to hang it in a key ring cabinet in a similar way to the way normal conventional key rings are hung up. 

1. Concealable key ring, comprising a carrying plate, that defines the minimum size of two side walls, between which are mounted: a) at least one key ring axle in which the keys are arranged so that they can rotate and b) at least one positioning pin to place these keys at one intermediate angle at least, by acting in combination with at least one groove made in the corresponding head of each key.
 2. Concealable key ring, according to claim 1, wherein a maximum dimension of the head of each key is the same or less than a height of the side walls of the carrying plate and very similar to a width of the bit.
 3. Concealable key ring, according to claim 1, wherein the aforementioned pin is made of elastically deformable material to facilitate its housing or extraction in the appropriate grooves of the keys.
 4. Concealable key ring, according to claim 1, wherein the aforementioned pin is made of a staff material and the area around the key where the grooves are, is made of elastically deformable material to facilitate the housing or extraction of the pin in the appropriate grooves of the keys.
 5. Concealable key ring, according to claim 1, wherein: a) the aforementioned key ring axle consists of a generating spot housing the pin which is comparatively over-designed; b) the aforementioned grooves are made around the perimeter of the hole that is defined on the head of the keys.
 6. Concealable key ring, according to claim 1, wherein the aforementioned side walls of the carrying plate are connected to each other by means of a base plate which consists of a transverse slot housing the pin that is comparatively over-designed; and the aforementioned grooves are made in the outer perimeter of the head of the keys.
 7. Concealable key ring, according to claim 6, further comprises that the carrying plate has a second axle at one end of its side walls, a hinged cover is mounted on this second axle, hiding the keys from view when they are in the stowed position.
 8. Concealable key ring, according to claim 1, wherein, each carrying plate includes a fixing means to fix it to the sides of another or other adjacent carrying plates to a fixed surface.
 9. Concealable key ring, according to claim 8, wherein said fixing means consist of magnets, arranged on the base plate and/or at least one of these side walls.
 10. Concealable key ring, according to claim 1 further comprises at least one carrying plate includes a means of a ring or a hole for fixation. 